Woodland, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Woodland Municipal Code § 17.84.030.G.3.d creates a specific setback exemption for garage and accessory building conversions to ADUs: no setback is required for a legally established, existing garage or accessory building converted to an ADU, provided the structure is not expanded. If the owner does expand the footprint, that expansion becomes subject to the standard four-foot side and rear setbacks that otherwise apply to Class 2 ADUs under subsection G.3.b. A related standard, subsection F.6.b, confirms that no passageway is required in conjunction with constructing an ADU, removing another common site-plan hurdle for garage conversions.

On the architectural side, subsection G.5.f requires that a garage converted to an ADU must have its garage door or doors removed and replaced with architectural features, including walls, doors, windows, trim, and accent details, so the conversion does not read as a garage with a door left in place. This pairs with the broader architectural standards in subsection G.5, which require an independent exterior entrance apart from the primary dwelling, at least 10-foot interior horizontal dimensions, and frosted or clerestory glass for second-story openings within 30 feet of a property line.

Because garage conversions typically use existing floor area, they are also exempt from the general no-replacement-parking rule under subsection G.2.d, meaning the parking spaces lost to the conversion do not need to be replaced elsewhere on the lot. Building permits are still required through Community Development, and standard Building Code compliance applies to the conversion under subsection F.6.a.